July 1 - 15, 2016

These are the scripts Joe Benson used on the air at 100.3 The Sound (KSWD) in Los Angeles. They all received final editing by Jan Benson, without whom the task would have been far too daunting. Remember to give credit where credit is due, and enjoy!

July 1, 2016

On this day in 1963, The Beatles recorded "She Loves You" and "I'll Get You" at Abbey Road Studios.

On this day in 1967, The Beatles' "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" album hit #1 for the first of 15 weeks in the States.

On this day in 1969, The Doors released their "The Soft Parade" album, which featured the scandalous single "Touch Me."

On this day in 1970, Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Cosmo's Factory" album came out and soon became lodged at #1 for nine weeks.

On this day in 1972, Alice Cooper's signature song "School's Out" entered the charts on its way to three weeks at #2 as his million-selling album of the same name began its climb to #23.

On this day in 1978, Foreigner's "Hot Blooded" entered the singles charts on its way to #3.

On this day in 1978, The Cars' self-titled first album entered the charts on its way to #18 and six million sold — a solid debut indeed.

On this date in 1981, Steppenwolf bass player John Morey died in a car crash in Los Angeles at the age of 32. He is best known as the author of "Magic Carpet Ride."

On this day in 1987, The Grateful Dead released their most successful album, "In the Dark," featuring the song "Touch of Grey."

On this day in 1989, Stevie Ray Vaughan's final album, "In Step," began its climb to #33 while selling two million copies.

On this day in 1995, legendary D.J. Wolfman Jack suffered a heart attack and died in his home in Belvedere, North Carolina. He was only 57.

On this day in 2002, The Who performed at the Hollywood Bowl three days after the death of bassist John Entwistle. The surviving founding members of the Hall Of Fame band — frontman Roger Daltrey and guitarist Pete Townshend — decided they needed to play music to honor their old friend, and the following tour was one of their most intense ever.

On this day in 2007, Elton John, Rod Stewart, Bryan Ferry and Supertramp's Roger Hodgson were among the stars performing at London's Wembley Stadium for the Concert for Diana. Organized by Prince William and Prince Harry, the show was held on what would have been the 46th birthday of their late mother, Princess Diana.

July 2, 2016

On this day in 1566, Michel de Nostradamus, the French astrologer and "seer of the future," died at the age of 62. His last documented words: "I knew this was going to happen."

On this day in 1947, an object crashed near Roswell, New Mexico. The U.S. Air Force insisted it was a weather balloon, but eyewitness accounts gave rise to speculation it was an alien spacecraft or, at worst, another KISS Farewell Tour.

On this day in 1956, Elvis Presley recorded his iconic hit "Hound Dog" at RCA Studios in New York. The session marked the first time The Jordanaires had worked with Presley, and it was their 31st live take on the song that shot up to #1 upon its release.

On this day in 1969, Paul McCartney recorded "Her Majesty" by himself at Abbey Road studios before recording 15 takes of "Golden Slumbers"/"Carry That Weight" with George Harrison and Ringo Starr. John Lennon missed the session because he was hospitalized in Scotland following a car accident the previous day.

On this day in 1969, bass player Noel Redding and drummer Mitch Mitchell quit the Jimi Hendrix Experience because of frustration with Jimi's escalating personal and professional problems.

On this day in 1971, Queen was finally set when bassist John Deacon made his live debut with the band at a college gig in Surrey, England.

On this day in 1981, Foreigner released their album "4," considered by many to be their best.

On this day in 1981, Bruce Springsteen played the 21,000 seat Meadowlands Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey — the first of six Springsteen concerts that launched the arena's opening.

On this day in 1983, the final album by The Police, "Synchronicity," entered the American charts on its way to 17 weeks at #1. Before it peaked out, it had sold over eight million copies.

On this day in 1983, Stevie Nicks' solo album "The Wild Heart" entered the charts on its way to #5.

On this day in 1987, Sting chose not to attend his mother's funeral in order to stay in Monserrat where he was working on his "Nothing Like The Sun" album.

On this day in 1988, Van Halen's "When It's Love" entered the singles charts on its way to #5.

On this day in 2005, Live 8, the largest live concert ever held, involved over a million people listening to rock and pop musicians at 10 venues across four continents, demanding that the G8 nations move to help Africa. The "battle-of-the-bands" type showcase of most of the world's top acts was unprecedented, but it was the co-ordination of so many acts (U2, Pink Floyd, Paul McCartney, Neil Young, Elton John, Sting and The Who to name a few) and staging in so many cities around the globe that was nothing short of amazing. The man in charge of the whole event was the original Live Aid organizer, Sir Bob Geldof.

July 3, 2016

Guitarist Paul Barrere of Little Feat is 68.
Bassist Andy Fraser of the band Free (who wrote the riff to "Alright Now") would have been 64.

On this day in 1965, The Yardbirds' song "For Your Love" peaked at #6 on the charts. Eric Clapton left the band once they started recording the song, and can be heard only on the second bridge. Jeff Beck played the rest of the guitar on the final recording.

On this day in 1967, The Doors headlined at the Santa Monica Civic Center, backed by the trippy Iron Butterfly and the Orange County band Rubber Maze.

On this day in 1969, Rolling Stones founding member Brian Jones died in his swimming pool at the age of 27. High levels of alcohol and barbiturates were found in his blood, and, despite rumors of suicide and murder, authorities declared his death an accident.

On this day in 1971, vocalist Jim Morrison of The Doors died in his bathtub in Paris at the age of 27. No autopsy was ever done, but most figured that, like Brian Jones two years earlier, Jim had just reached the end.

On this day in 1971, completely unaware that their lead singer had just died, The Doors released their "Riders On The Storm" single. A few weeks later, it peaked at #14 on the singles charts.

On this day in 1971, Emerson, Lake & Palmer's second album, "Tarkus," entered the charts on its way to #9. Soon, releasing an album of very complex music every six months would take its toll.

On this day in 1972, blues singer/guitarist Mississippi Fred McDowell died of cancer at the age of 68. Most of us only knew of him from The Rolling Stones authentic cover of his "You Got To Move" on their 1971 "Sticky Fingers" album.

On this day in 1973, David Bowie announced at a London concert that he was retiring from public performance. He was back on stage in 11 months, a turnaround record later challenged by Elton John and KISS.

On this day in 1982, The Stray Cats' "Built For Speed" and Men At Work's "Business as Usual" entered the charts on their way to becoming two of the year's biggest-selling albums.

On this day in 1982, though the Alan Parsons Project was known primarily as a Progressive Rock albums band, the single release of "Eye In The Sky" entered the charts on its way to three weeks at #3.

On this day in 1993, Stone Temple Pilots' "Core" album hit #3 for the first of two weeks. Before it ended its run on the charts, it had sold over eight million copies.

On this day in 2010, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers' "Mojo" album hit #2.

July 4, 2016

Guitarist Jeremy Spencer (of the 2nd Fleetwood Mac line-up) is 69.
Singer John Waite of The Babys is 64.Kirk Pengilly of INXS is 58.

On this day in 1969, Grand Funk Railroad played the Atlanta Pop Festival, impressing Capitol Records so much that they signed the band within days.

On this day in 1976, as Fleetwood Mac's "Say You Love Me" entered the charts on its way to #11, Paul McCartney & Wings released the song "Let 'Em In."

On this day in 1981, Phil Collins' surprising "Face Value" solo album hit #7 while selling over seven million copies as Foreigner's "Urgent" continued their chart success with a run up to #4.

On this day in 1982, in a year that saw him bite the head off a bat and watch his guitarist Randy Rhoads die in a plane crash, Ozzy Osbourne married his manager, Sharon Arden.

On this day in 1987, Whitesnake's rerecorded version of "Here We Go Again" entered the charts on its way to becoming group leader David Coverdale's only #1 hit.

It was Abraham Lincoln who said: "Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves."

It was Adlai Stevenson who said: "My definition of a free society is a society where it is safe to be unpopular."

It was G. K. Chesterton who said: "I have formed a very clear conception of patriotism. I have generally found it thrust into the foreground by some fellow who has something to hide in the background. I have seen a great deal of patriotism; and I have generally found it the last refuge of the scoundrel."

It was Mark Twain who said: "Loyalty to country ALWAYS. Loyalty to government, when it deserves it."

Factoids For The Fourth

The Declaration of Independence, unanimously declared by the 13 United States of America, was adopted by the Continental Congress in Philadelphia on July 4, 1776. But the fact is that not one single signature was signed on that day. While most of the 56 names were in place by early August, one signer, Thomas McKean, did not actually sign the Declaration until 1781. Nevertheless, July 4th was the day singled out to mark the event of the United States establishing itself as a nation.

Of the signers, 24 were lawyers and jurists; 11 were merchants; 9 were farmers and large plantation owners; all were men of means and well educated. But they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured. Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the Revolutionary War, with five captured by the British and tortured before they died. Most of the 56 lost family members, 12 had their homes ransacked and burned, and many died bankrupt. Such were the sacrifices of the American Revolution.

The first celebrations occurred shortly after the Declaration in various locales along the Eastern Seaboard. Much of the tradition inherent in the way we celebrate today was evident almost from the beginning. Sound, spectacle and sentiment played an important role in that tradition. One of the most elaborate celebrations in 1777 and the first organized celebration of its kind occurred in Philadelphia. This event had all of the elements of typical future celebrations — the discharge of cannon, firing one round for each state in the union; the ringing of bells; the use of music; the drinking of toasts (it would subsequently be traditional to have one toast for each state in the union); "loud huzzas;" a parade; fireworks; and the use of the nation's colors.

Whatever you do to celebrate, have fun, but please keep the fireworks away from the kids. And give pause to say a prayer for our troops still stationed so far away from home. God bless America!

July 5, 2016

Guitarist/singer Robbie Robertson of The Band is 73.
R&R poster boy Huey Lewis is 66.

On this day in 1954, Elvis Presley, guitarist Scotty Moore and bassist Bill Black started messing around on a song called "That's All Right" at Sun Studios in Memphis. Scotty Moore remembered saying, "Good God! They'll run us out of town when they hear this." But studio owner Sam Phillips said, "I knew we had a hit."

On this day in 1964, the young Irish band Them, featuring singer Van Morrison, recorded "Gloria." Henceforth, including raw lust as a component of lyrical content was considered fair game.

On this day in 1966, on a tip from fashion model Linda Keith (girlfriend of Rolling Stone Brian Jones), Animals bassist Chas Chandler saw Jimi Hendrix play at Cafe Wha? in New York's Greenwich Village. Blown away, he immediately convinced Hendrix to move to London in order to launch his career.

On this day in 1968, promoter Bill Graham opened the premier West Coast concert hall of the late Sixties/early Seventies: The Fillmore West in San Francisco.

On this day in 1968, The Doors played the Hollywood Bowl, backed by Steppenwolf and the Chambers Brothers. The concert was later released as "The Doors At The Hollywood Bowl."

On this day in 1969, The Rolling Stones gave a free concert for 250,000 fans in London's Hyde Park to introduce their new guitarist Mick Taylor. But since their original guitarist Brian Jones had just died, the concert became a strained tribute instead.

On this day in 1975, Steve Miller showed off his new band (featuring C.C.R.'s Doug "Cosmo" Clifford on drums) and a brand new song ("Rock 'N Me") as he opened for Pink Floyd at England's Knebworth Festival. No slackers themselves, the Floyd premiered their "Wish You Were Here" album with a performance that included fireworks, real Spitfire fighter planes flying overhead, and a full sized model plane crashing into the stage. EEEE-yowee!!

On this day in 1975, Elton John's "Someone Saved My Life Tonight" and Bad Company's "Feel Like Making Love" entered the singles charts on their way into the Top 10.

On this day in 1980, Jackson Browne's "Boulevard" entered the singles charts on its way to #19.

On this day in 1981, Foreigner's "4" album entered the charts on its way to 10 weeks at #1 and six million copies sold.

The Uncle Joe Show Menu

Tuesday 7/5/16

It was Benjamin Franklin who said: "Any fool can criticize, condemn and complain and most fools do."

It was Geri Weitzman who said: "Sometimes you gotta create what you want to be part of."

It was Ansel Adams who said: "There is nothing worse than a brilliant image of a fuzzy concept."

It was Rita Rudner who said: "Men who have pierced ears are better prepared for marriage. They've experienced pain and bought jewelry."

July 6, 2016

Rock pioneer Bill Haley would have been 91.

On this day in 1957, 15-year-old Paul McCartney first saw The Quarrymen perform at a church social in Liverpool. He immediately struck up a friendship with 16-year-old John Lennon and was soon in the band.

On this day in 1964, The Beatles' first film, "A Hard Days Night," premiered in London. The Fab Four didn't actually see the flick until four days later. In Britain alone, the film's soundtrack had already sold a million and a half copies in just nine days.

On this day in 1965, Marty Balin and Paul Kantner formed the group that a month later they decided to call Jefferson Airplane.

On this day in 1968, The Rolling Stones hit #3 on the singles charts with "Jumping Jack Flash" just as The Doors "Hello, I Love You" began its climb to two weeks at #1.

On this day in 1973, Queen released "Keep Yourself Alive," their debut U.K. single. Unfortunately for them, it didn't chart.

On this day in 1985, Pat Benatar's "Invincible" began its run up the singles charts to #10.

On this day in 1991, Van Halen's "For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge" album debuted at #1 where it remained for three weeks. On the strength of their touring, the album eventually sold over three million copies.

On this day in 1993, U2 released their "Zooropa" album. It would soon hit #1.

This Sunday night at 8pm on 100.3 The Sound of Los Angeles, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of Styx as well as more of Joe's extensive conversations with guitarist/singers James 'J.Y.' Young and Tommy Shaw. Check out this preview!

The Uncle Joe Show Menu

Hump Day 7/6/16

Biggest Selling LP In The U.K.

Is it really a surprise that Queen's 1981 "Greatest Hits" album is the best-selling album in U.K. history? And that Queen's "Greatest Hits 2" also made the Top 10 list? For the record, ABBA's "Gold: Greatest Hits" was #2, The Beatles' "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" was #3 and Adele's "21" — while still rolling up the charts — is currently #4.

A Bad Lawyer

The lawyer who went after Led Zeppelin for allegedly ripping off the band Spirit has been temporarily barred from practicing law for "bad conduct" — but not for the Zep trial... yet. Attorney Francis Malofiy, who failed to convince a jury that Jimmy Page and Robert Plant had stolen the intro of "Stairway To Heaven" from an instrumental by Spirit guitarist Randy California, was handed a three-month-and-one-day suspension by three Pennsylvania judges for an earlier trial involving alleged music thievery, centering around the song "Bad Girl" by Usher. And yes, he lost that trial, too.

Baker's Better

It was John Lennon who said: "There's a great woman behind every idiot."

It was Steven Wright who said: "24 hours in a day; 24 bottles in a case of beer. Coincidence? I think not."

It was Art Buchwald who said: "I always wanted to get into politics, but I was never light enough to make the team."

It was Coach John Wooden who said: "Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are."

July 7, 2016

The one and only Ringo Starr is 76.
Bassist Jim Rodford of Argent and The Kinks is 71.

On this day in 1968, The Yardbirds finally called it quits, leaving guitarist Jimmy Page to form the New Yardbirds in order to fulfill some tour commitments. The group, featuring singer Robert Plant, drummer John Bonham, and bassist John Paul Jones, was soon renamed Led Zeppelin.

On this day in 1973, Paul McCartney & Wings' "Live And Let Die" began it's run up the singles charts to #2.

On this day in 1977 (7/7/77), Styx released their seventh album, "The Grand Illusion." It proved to be their big breakthrough, selling four million copies in short order.

On this day in 1979, Supertramp's "Goodbye Stranger" entered the singles charts on its way to #15.

On this day in 1980, 12 years after they first formed as the New Yardbirds, Led Zeppelin played their final concert together in West Berlin. Drummer John Bonham would die in late September.

On this day in 1984, Bruce Springsteen's classic "Born In The U.S.A." album hit #1 for the first of seven weeks. It eventually sold over 15 million copies.

On this day in 2006, singer/songwriter/guitarist Syd Barrett, the man who founded and named Pink Floyd, then fried his brain on LSD, died at the age of 60 from complications arising from diabetes.

This Sunday night at 8pm on 100.3 The Sound of Los Angeles, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of Styx as well as more of Joe's extensive conversations with guitarist/singers James 'J.Y.' Young and Tommy Shaw. Check out this preview!

The Uncle Joe Show Menu

Thursday 7/7/16

It was Linda Poindexter who said: "You are not a rug... everyone may try to walk all over you, but you do not have to lie there and take it!"

It was Albert Einstein who said: "Unthinking respect for authority is the greatest enemy of truth."

It was Duke Ellington who said: "A problem is a chance for you to do your best."

It was Woody Allen who said: "You can live to be a hundred if you give up all the things that make you want to live to be a hundred."

This Saturday, Noon - 2pm: It's time to hang with J.B., The Sound Crew and the Uncle Joe's Mobile Garage at the Mike Thompson RV at 18240 Ward Street in Fountain Valley. Yes, he'll be giving away Boston tix too — see you there!

July 8, 2016

Drummer Jai Johanson of The Allman Brothers Band is 72.

On this day in 1967, The Jimi Hendrix Experience began opening for The Monkees in Jacksonville, Florida. Jimi lasted nine days before being pulled off the tour. What were they thinking?!?

On this day in 1977, Steely Dan released their classic "Aja" album.

On this day in 1978, Gerry Rafferty's album "City To City" (containing his trademark song "Baker Street") hit #1 on the charts as Foreigner's second album, "Double Vision," began its climb to six weeks at #3 with seven million sold.

On this day in 1989, Tom Petty's first solo album, "Full Moon Fever," hit #3 for the first of two weeks. It eventually sold over five million copies.

On this day in 1989, Stevie Nicks' million-selling fourth solo album, "The Other Side Of The Mirror," peaked at #10 on the charts.

This Sunday night at 8pm on 100.3 The Sound of Los Angeles, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of Styx as well as more of Joe's extensive conversations with guitarist/singers James 'J.Y.' Young and Tommy Shaw. Check out this preview!

The Uncle Joe Show Menu

Friday 7/8/16

Adler's First In 24 years

With Guns N' Roses' Not In This Lifetime tour about a month away from two shows at Dodger Stadium, a historic GN' R character made the scene Wednesday night in Cincinnati: original drummer Steven Adler rejoined the band onstage for the first time in 24 years! Steve played two songs with three other founding members: Axl Rose, Slash and Duff McKagan. Adler's last GN'R concert was in April 1990 at Farm Aid. Shortly after that he was fired for his excessive drug abuse.

Cliff Is Saying Goodbye

After 40 years, it just isn't as much fun for some. AC/DC bassist Cliff Williams — who joined the band in 1977 — says he'll retire when the Rock or Bust tour reaches its conclusion. The 66-year-old said, "Losing [rhythm guitarist] Malcolm [Young], the thing with [drummer] Phil [Rudd] and now with [singer] Brian [Johnson], it's a changed animal. I feel in my gut it's the right thing." Guitarist Angus Young is the only original member of AC/DC left in the line-up. At this point, the final gig will be on September 20th in Philadelphia.

It was Kurt Vonnegut who said: "Unusual travel suggestions are dancing lessons from God."

It was Oscar Wilde who said: "It is what you read when you don't have to that determines what you will be when you can't help it."

It was Laurence J. Peter who said: "Competence, like truth, beauty, and contact lenses, is in the eye of the beholder."

It was Mark Twain who said: "I have never let my schooling interfere with my education."

July 9, 2016

Bon Scott, AC/DC's first lead singer, would have been 70.Jimi Hendrix's drummer, Mitch Mitchell, would have been 69.Tom Hanks — whose film "That Thing You Do" was real Rock & Roll — is 60.
Heart throb Courtney Love is 52.White Stripes frontman/guitarist Jack White is 41.

On this day in 1956, Dick Clark appeared on TV for the first time as the host of "American Bandstand."

On this day in 1966, The Rolling Stones' "Aftermath" album began its climb to two weeks at #2 just as their song "Mother's Little Helper" entered the charts. The song's title was a common British reference to the recently introduced tranquilizer, Valium.

On this day in 1971, Doors singer Jim Morrison was quietly buried in Paris' Pere-Lachaise cemetery.

On this day in 1974 in Seattle, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young began their first reunion tour — the first mega-stadium tour in the history of Rock & Roll. It was during that ground-breaking series of concerts that both Neil Young and David Crosby began to question what the hell they were doing. Afterwards, Neil returned back to his smaller, more manageable solo career while David retreated into drug addiction.

On this day in 1977, Steve Miller's "Jet Airliner" topped out at #8 just as Fleetwood Mac's "Don't Stop" entered the singles charts on its way to two weeks at #3.

On this day in 1977, Heart's second album, "Little Queen," peaked at #9 just as Crosby, Stills & Nash's "CSN" album began its run to #2 with four million sold.

On this day in 1983, The Police song "Every Breath You Take" hit #1 on the American singles chart for the first of nine weeks.

On this day in 1988, Cheap Trick hit #1 on the U.S. singles chart with "The Flame."

On this day in 1995 at Chicago's Soldier Field, The Grateful Dead played their last concert with Jerry Garcia. Jerry died a month later, and Soldier Field was torn down in 2001.

On this day in 1996, Deep Purple performed "Smoke On The Water" for the first time in the Swiss city that inspired it. The band wrote and recorded the song in 1971 immediately after surviving a nightclub fire in Montreux.

On this day in 1999, 52-year-old Sir Elton John had a pacemaker implanted in a London hospital.

On this day in 2004, 57-year old David Bowie was forced to cancel a string of European shows after emergency heart surgery.

July 10, 2016

Singer Ronnie James Dio would have been 74.
Folkie Arlo Guthrie is 69.

On this day in 1965, as "Beatles VI" topped the U.S. album charts for the first of six weeks, The Rolling Stones scored their first American #1 hit single with "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction."

On this day in 1968, as drummer Ginger Baker and bassist Jack Bruce argued in the background, guitarist Eric Clapton announced the break-up of Cream. One of the real "supergroups," Cream then launched one of the first truly successful Farewell Tours that have plagued the industry ever since.

On this day in 1982, Toto's multi-million selling album "IV" hit #4 on the charts.

On this day in 1986, The Grateful Dead's Ventura Fairgrounds performance was canceled when guitarist Jerry Garcia was hospitalized after lapsing into a diabetic coma. His illness prompted more than 10,000 phone calls to the band's fan hotline in less than 48 hours. Garcia regained consciousness five days later, and was released from the hospital in a month.

On this day in 1993, "Plush" by the Stone Temple Pilots entered the singles charts, eventually topping out at #39 and garnering a Hard Rock – Vocal GRAMMY Award.

July 11, 2016

Guitarist Richie Sambora of Bon Jovi is 57.

On this day in 1969, The Rolling Stones released their soon to be #1 hit, "Honky Tonk Women." It was the first recording to feature guitarist Mick Taylor, their replacement for founding member Brian Jones who had slipped into a drug and alcohol fueled daze.

On this day in 1969, David Bowie's single, "Space Oddity," was released to coincide with the first lunar landing. Producer Tony Visconti (who also worked with T. Rex and later The Moody Blues) disliked the song so much, he refused to produce it for his friend David. Instead Elton John's producer, Gus Dudgeon, stepped in and turned the tune into a classic.

On this day in 1970, Grand Funk Railroad's "Closer to Home" entered the album charts on its way to #6 and two million sold.

On this day in 1970, The Who unleashed their live cover of "Summertime Blues." The hard rocking single proved to be a bit too much for Top 40 radio, so it barely reached #27 on the charts.

On this day in 1975, Gary Wright released his "The Dream Weaver" album as Fleetwood Mac unleashed their first recorded effort with Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks, simply called "Fleetwood Mac." One of those albums went on to sell millions and millions and millions and millions of copies. The other, not so much.

On this day in 1979, Neil Young's concert film "Rust Never Sleeps" debuted at the Bruin Theatre in Westwood as the album of the same name was released nationwide.

On this day in 1981, driven by the success of their "Burning For You" single, Blue Oyster Cults' "Fire Of Unknown Origin" album began a climb up to #24 on the charts.

On this day in 1982, 27-year-old guitarist Phil Collen replaced 22-year-old Pete Willis in Def Leppard. The band had reluctantly fired Willis due to his excessive alcohol consumption. With that move, major success lay right around the corner.

On this day in 1987, Heart's definitive version of the Billy Steinberg/Tom Kelly song "Alone" hit #1 on the charts.

The Uncle Joe Show Menu

Monday 7/11/16

Buck's Up For Stairway Judgement

As soon as the jury ruled unanimously in favor of Led Zeppelin's Robert Plant and Jimmy Page in last month's Federal trial claiming that they stole the opening guitar riff of "Stairway To Heaven" from an instrumental written by the late Randy 'California' Wolfe, you had to wonder how much the loss would cost his estate. Well, now we know! Citing "extensive and ongoing litigation misconduct" over the course of the bizarre weeklong trial, the Zep's publishing company announced they're seeking almost $800,000. And if the Spirit estate loses again, the Zep says that any money won in this case, "is to be used to buy musical instruments for children who are in need in Ventura County." Indeed!

Gilmour At Pompeii

This past Thursday night, Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour played the first of two special concerts in Pompeii, Italy — the very city frozen in time in 79 B.C. when the Mount Vesuvius volcano exploded. This was the first time Gilmour performed at the historic Roman site since the Floyd filmed their famous 1972 concert movie "Live At Pompeii." And since the Floyd's performances for the 1972 movie were filmed without an audience, this was also the first rock show ever played in front of an audience in Pompeii's ancient amphitheater! How spooky do you think it was?

It was Dr. Seuss/Theodor Seuss Geisel who said: "Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple."

It was Maya Angelou who said: "Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away."

It was Joel Schumacher who said: "There are no Help Wanted signs in Hollywood. And the guards of the gate are not there to keep you in."

It was Zig Ziglar who said: "You don't drown by falling in water; you only drown if you stay there."

This Friday! Join yer Uncle Joe in rocking out with Styx at the Pacific Amphitheatre during the Orange County Fair! Hail, hail Rock & Roll!

July 12, 2016

Christine McVie of Fleetwood Mac is 73.John Wetton, bassist for Uriah Heep and Asia, is 67.Eric Carr, KISS' second drummer, would have been 66.

On this day in 1962, The Rollin' Stones played their first gig — the Marquee Jazz Club in London was the site. That first line-up included Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Brian Jones, piano player Ian Stewart, bassist Dick Taylor and drummer Tony Chapman (not future Kinks drummer Mick Avery as often rumored). Drummer Charlie Watts and bassist Bill Wyman were recruited into the band by the end of the year.

On this day in 1969, as his song "Lay Lady Lay" entered the Top 40 on its way to #7, Bob Dylan learned that you can't go home again when he attended his high school reunion in Hibbing, Minnesota. He and his wife Sara were forced to leave after a drunken fool tried to pick a fight with the singer.

On this day in 1969, Blind Faith made their U.S. debut at Madison Square Garden in New York City, well before they were ready to be seen by anyone. Singer/keyboardist Steve Winwood of Traffic, guitar god Eric Clapton & drummer Ginger Baker of Cream, and bassist/violinist Ric Grech of Family barely survived as a group until the end of their first tour when they disbanded. Ultimately, they left us with a few beautiful songs from their only album.

On this day in 1980, on its way to becoming one of their signature songs, ZZ Top's "Cheap Sunglasses" briefly entered the singles charts.

On this day in 1983, sax player Chris Wood of Traffic died of pneumonia at age 39.

On this day in 1985, Dire Straits' "Money For Nothing" entered the singles charts on its way to #13 and a Rock – Vocal GRAMMY Award.

The Uncle Joe Show Menu

Tuesday 7/12/16

Joe Perry Update

The Hollywood Vampires' Sunday night gig in Brooklyn didn't go as planned. Aerosmith guitar legend, Joe Perry, barely made it through the first chords of the opening tune before he staggered off the stage and passed out. He was rushed to the nearby Columbia Presbyterian Hospital where he's now resting comfortably under doctors' care undergoing tests to determine what caused his collapse. With a gig scheduled for tonight in Ohio, Alice Cooper, the leader of the all-star band that includes guitarist/actor Johnny Depp, has confirmed that the Hollywood Vampires tour will continue without Perry as he recovers. Here's to a speedy recovery, Joe!

All Hail Sting's Vino

Sting's Tuscan red Sister Moon has been voted the best celebrity wine by ratings app Vivino, beating out vintages by The Rolling Stones, AC/DC, Donald Trump, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie and director Francis Ford Coppola. And doesn't Sting really seem like the only one of those celebs who would actually get his hands dirty in the vineyards?

It was John Fugelsang who said: "I view Jesus much the way I view Elvis. I love the guy, but some of the fan clubs terrify me."

It was John F. Kennedy who said: "An error is not a mistake until you refuse to correct it."

It was Benjamin Franklin who said: "Energy and persistence conquer all things."

It was Jimi Hendrix who said: "When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace."

July 13, 2016

Roger McGuinn, guitarist and singer for The Byrds and drummer Stephen Jo Bladd of the J. Geils Band are both 74.
Comedian Cheech Marin of Cheech & Chong is 70.
Director/writer Cameron Crowe is 58.

On this day in 1968, Steppenwolf's "Born to Be Wild," the song responsible for the term "heavy metal," entered the charts on its way to three weeks at #2.

On this day in 1968, Cream's "Wheels Of Fire," released as a double album to fulfill a recording contract, entered the charts on its way to four weeks at #1.

On this day in 1973, Queen released their self-titled debut album.

On this day in 1974, although he was very reluctant to release it, Eric Clapton's cover of Bob Marley's "I Shot The Sheriff" entered the singles charts on its way to #1.

On this day in 1979, Eric Clapton's "Backless" album, the follow-up to his multi-million selling "Slowhand" album, peaked at #8 with a million sold.

On this day in 1985, Heart's biggest commercial success, the "Heart" album, entered the charts on its way to #1. It eventually sold five million copies on the strength of four Top 10 hits.

On this day in 1985, Mötley Crüe's multi-million selling third album, "Theatre Of Pain," entered the charts on its way to #6 just as their cover of Brownsville Station's "Smoking In The Boys Room" began a run up to #16 on the singles charts.

On this day in 1985, over a billion-and-a-half people around the world witnessed the Live Aid concerts, held simultaneously in London and Philadelphia. The benefit raised money for the starving people of Africa. Bob Geldof, the former lead singer of the Boomtown Rats, organized the event. Live Aid performers included U2, Phil Collins, Paul McCartney, Tom Petty, and a reunited Led Zeppelin, among others. The show ran 16 hours and raised over $100 million for the cause.

The Uncle Joe Show Menu

Hump Day 7/13/16

Bucks Up Buckaroos

Coming in at #17 with $67.5 million in earnings in the past 12 months, AC/DC was the highest ranking rock stars in Forbes magazine's latest "Word's Highest-Paid Celebrities." Playing many fewer shows in stadiums and large venues, The Rolling Stones rolled in at #18 with $66.5 million earned. Even with the lowest priced tickets, Bruce Springsteen hit #24 with $60.5 million, followed by Paul McCartney at #25 ($56.5 million). The other super group on the list was U2, hanging at #30 with a take of $55 million. The overall top earner on the list? Taylor Swift, of course, with $170 million in cold hard cash.

Origin Of The Species/Keef's Lost Weekend

In what promises to be a fascinating documentary focusing on the iconic Keith Richards' life before The Rolling Stones, "Keith Richards — The Origin Of The Species" will premiere in the U.K. later this month. Keef recalls how the conditions in the postwar U.K. led to the cultural changes in the Sixties music scene that included The Stones and The Beatles. Then, as "The Origin Of The Species'" DVD is released Stateside in September, the legendary Stones guitarist will host the "Keith Richards' Lost Weekend" series. That Brit program will feature a detailed introduction by Keith of various films, programs and/or concert movies he enjoys.

It was Gore Vidal who said: "The four most beautiful words in our common language: I told you so."

It was Yogi Berra who said: "I just want to thank everyone who made this day necessary."

It was Finnish composer Jean Sibelius who said: "Don't pay any attention to what the critics say. No statue has ever been erected over a critic."

It was President Dwight D. Eisenhower who said: "Leadership: The art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it."

July 14, 2016

Folk legend Woody Guthrie would have been 104.

On this day in 1967, The Who began their first full-scale U.S. tour. As the opening act for Herman's Hermits, they really didn't go over all that well... but they did meet a lot of girls.

On this day in 1973, driven by the Top 40 success of "Just You And Me," the "Chicago VI" album entered the charts on its way to five weeks at #1 with two million sold.

On this day in 1979, the domestic release of Cheap Trick's "Live At Budokan" (already a hit as an import) peaked at #4 on the album charts as it sold over three million copies.

On this day in 1979, Van Halen's "Dance The Night Away" peaked at #15 on the singles charts.

On this day in 1982, Pink Floyd's film version of "The Wall," directed by Alan Parker, premiered in London. Maybe he understood it... maybe he didn't.

On this day in 1984, Billy Idol's "Rebel Yell" album peaked at #6 on the American charts.

On this day in 1984, The Cars' most successful album, the multi-million selling "Heart Beat City," hit #7.

On this day in 2014, Tommy Ramone, the original drummer and manager of The Ramones, died at the age of 65 in his home in Queens, New York from bile duct cancer. The last surviving member of the original Ramones line-up, his passing was truly the end of an era. Gaba-gaba-hey, Tommy!

This Sunday night at 8pm on 100.3 The Sound of Los Angeles, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of U2 as well as more of conversations with The Edge and Bono. Check out this preview!

The Uncle Joe Show Menu

Thursday 7/14/16

It was G. K. Chesterton who said: "Thieves respect property. They merely wish the property to become their property that they may more perfectly respect it."

It was Josh Billings who said: "As scarce as truth is, the supply has always been in excess of the demand."

It was Oscar Wilde who said: "Who, being loved, is poor?"

It was John Lubbock who said: "What we see depends mainly on what we look for."

July 15, 2016

Linda Ronstadt is 70.
Drummer Artimus Pyle of Lynyrd Skynyrd is 68.
Singer David Pack of Ambrosia,
Guitarist Jeff Carlisi of 38 Special and
Drummer Marky Ramone of The Ramones are all 64.
Guitar god Joe Satriani is 61.

On this day in 1958, John Lennon's mother, Julia, was killed in a car accident in Liverpool, England. She was only 34, and he just 17.

On this day in 1967, Van Morrison's "Brown-Eyed Girl" entered the singles chart.

On this day in 1968, Creedence Clearwater Revival released their self-titled debut album.

On this day in 1970, Creedence Clearwater Revival released their fifth album, "Cosmo's Factory." Most fans still consider it to be their best.

On this day in 1972, named after the French studio were it was recorded, Elton John's "Honky Chateau" hit #1 for the first of five weeks.

On this day in 1978, The Rolling Stones most successful non-compilation album, "Some Girls," hit #1 for the first of two weeks. It eventually sold over six million copies.

On this day in 1989, Don Henley's "The End Of The Innocence" album entered the charts on its way to selling six million copies while charting at #8.

On this day in 1989, Pink Floyd performed on a floating stage in Venice, Italy. Unfortunately, the partying audience of 200,000 damaged many of the city's bridges and caused marble to crumble from centuries-old buildings.

This Sunday night at 8pm on 100.3 The Sound of Los Angeles, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of U2 as well as more of conversations with The Edge and Bono. Check out this preview!